Drug lawsuits hold manufacturers accountable for releasing life-ruining or dangerous medications. One of the best recent examples is Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug made by Johnson & Johnson. Earlier this year, a Tennessee teenager received $70 million from a lawsuit against the multinational company.
The teenager claims Risperdal caused him to grow breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. This is not the first lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson involving allegations of Risperdal causing men to grow breasts. An Alabama man filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson after developing 46DD breasts. Last year, a jury awarded him $2.5 million. Juries have found Johnson & Johnson failed to properly warn consumers about the risk of developing gynecomastia while taking Risperdal.
Johnson & Johnson has also faced accusations of illegally marketing Risperdal. In 2013, Johnson & Johnson paid $2.3 billion to resolve allegations that it had improperly marketed the drug to the elderly and children.
Although doctors can prescribe medications for off-label uses, drug manufacturers cannot market drugs for purposes not approved by the FDA. Johnson & Johnson had marketed the drug to elderly dementia patients, and to children with disabilities. The FDA has not approved the drug for these purposes.
Drug Lawsuits Hold Businesses Accountable
Johnson & Johnson received more than $70 billion in revenue in 2015. It goes without saying that a $70 million verdict is not damaging to the company. However, drug lawsuits are about more than the money. Victims of these companies have a chance to tell their stories in a court of law.
These cases may also attract the attention of mainstream media. The public gets a chance to question the reputations and trustworthiness of these companies.
The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Keefe Law Firm have a proven record of helping individuals and families harmed by drug companies.